When the weather is at its best, you want to spend more time outside. One issue, though, can be all the bugs enjoying the warm weather, too. To prevent pests from getting out of control, you can have your property treated by a professional who knows how to deal with the bugs in your area. Meanwhile, there are also some things you can do yourself. One great way to help keep the bugs at bay is to use plants that prevent pests.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 plants that deter bugs, including lavender, marigolds, fennel, and more. These natural plant pest control ideas will help you keep your yard pest-free until the professionals can exterminate them.
10 Bug-Repelling Plants
Whether you need to protect your garden or the inside of your property, here are 10 plants to add to your outdoor space that naturally repel insects and other pests.
1. Marigolds
When using plants to keep bugs away, start with marigolds, especially if you have a vegetable garden. Marigolds repel insects, including mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies, tomato hornworms, squash bugs, and more. Plant a few in each box or garden bed to repel bugs and protect your tomatoes and other vegetables.
2. Lavender
A great way to dress up your yard is to line it with lavender. It looks aesthetically pleasing and smells fresh, and the flower’s aroma is also suitable for keeping mosquitoes and other flying pests out. This bug-repelling flower is especially effective against moths, fleas, flies, and even ticks, making it a beautiful yet functional addition to outdoor spaces. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; once established, it’s relatively drought-tolerant. You can also dry the flowers and place them in sachets or use lavender essential oil indoors to continue repelling bugs naturally while adding a calming fragrance to your home.
3. Fennel
Snails are a pain for any gardener, especially in areas that tend to stay shaded and wet. Fennel helps keep snails away, which is a nice thing to grow for your kitchen. Its strong licorice-like scent deters snails, slugs, and aphids, making it an excellent natural defense for your garden. Fennel thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing tall with delicate, feathery foliage that adds visual interest to garden beds. In addition to its bug-repelling qualities, fennel is a flavorful plant that can be used in salads, soups, and various dishes, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. Just keep in mind that fennel can inhibit the growth of certain other plants, so it’s best planted on its own or with herbs and veggies that don’t mind its presence.
4. Chrysanthemums
Making your yard look beautiful can also be sensible when you plant chrysanthemums. They are one of the best flowers that repel insects and are known for deterring many pests, including some of Southern California’s worst offenders like roaches, fleas, and mosquitoes. Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, a natural compound commonly used in organic insecticides, which is toxic to insects but safe for humans and pets when used correctly. These cheerful blooms also help deter ants, Japanese beetles, spider mites, ticks, and silverfish.
5. Mint
Mint is another great herb to grow, offering both practical and culinary benefits. In addition to its natural bug-repelling properties, this plant can be harvested and used in the kitchen to flavor your favorite dishes, teas, or summer drinks. Its strong, fresh scent helps keep mosquitoes, ants, spiders, and even mice at bay, making outdoor spaces more enjoyable. Plant mint in containers to prevent it from spreading aggressively, and place those pots around patios, windows, or garden beds to create a fragrant and functional bug barrier. Enjoy your mint-infused recipes outdoors, without all the pests.
6. Basil
Basil is an ideal plant that repels insects. Mosquitoes and flies are particularly deterred by this plant, making it a solid option to put in your garden. Fortunately, basil can be added to numerous recipes, adding flavor to several dishes. This makes it an excellent bug-repelling plant that doubles as a delicious ingredient for your lunch or dinner. Basil can also do well planted indoors, fighting off any insects that sneak into your home in the summer months.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary is another plant that repels insects, including mosquitoes, cabbage moths, flies, carrot flies, bean beetles, and even ticks. It grows best in warm weather, ideal for insect-ridden states like Southern California, Texas, and Florida. This herb thrives in containers or garden beds with full sun and well-drained soil. Not only does rosemary repel pests, but it also adds a fragrant touch to your garden and can be used in cooking various dishes. For optimal pest control, plant rosemary near entryways, patios, or vegetable gardens where insects tend to gather.
8. Garlic
Garlic is a plant that keeps away insects from your property. The sulfur compounds released from garlic repel aphids, cabbage worms, and mosquitoes, to name just a few. When planted around the perimeter of your garden or interspersed among vegetables, garlic can act as a natural barrier, deterring harmful pests while allowing beneficial insects to thrive. You can also create a homemade garlic spray by blending cloves with water and a bit of soap—perfect for applying directly to plants to keep infestations at bay. In addition to its pest-repelling properties, garlic is easy to grow and offers culinary benefits, making it a practical and powerful addition to any garden.
9. Onions
Onions are another versatile plant that can help keep your garden pest-free. Like garlic, onions release sulfur compounds that act as a natural insect repellent. These compounds deter a variety of common garden pests, including aphids, carrot flies, and Japanese beetles. Planting onions near vulnerable crops, such as lettuce, carrots, or tomatoes, can create a protective barrier and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Onions thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants, depending on your preference and climate. In addition to their pest-fighting abilities, onions are a valuable kitchen staple, making them an innovative and sustainable choice for home gardeners who want to combine practicality with pest prevention.
10. Sage
Sage is a fragrant herb that does more than enhance your cooking—it also helps keep unwanted insects away. Sage’s strong scent is a natural repellent to insects like cabbage moths, carrot flies, flea beetles, and black aphids. This makes it a helpful companion plant for vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, which these insects often target.
Sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for garden beds and containers. It’s a low-maintenance herb that can thrive in warm, dry conditions and even deter some garden animals, like deer and rabbits. For added pest control, you can also burn dried sage bundles outdoors—the smoke helps repel mosquitoes and other flying insects during backyard gatherings. Sage is a beautiful, aromatic addition to any garden with both culinary and insect-fighting benefits.
Plants Aren’t Doing the Trick? Call the Pros
If you’ve planted marigolds, sage, garlic, or another plant that hasn’t worked, you probably need to call the professionals. Although these bug-repelling plants can be effective, they may not be adequate for bigger infestations or stubborn pests, especially for long-term results. Preventive Pest Control is here to bring lasting solutions for those in Southern California.
Our pest control technicians use Temprid technology to target stubborn critters and ensure they don’t bother you again. Whether you need pest control in Orange County or pest control services in the Inland Empire, trust our team to do the job. Preventive’s ongoing subscription plans are tailored to your needs, delivering dependable results every time. Contact us today to learn about our services and receive the professional help you need.